In this interview, civic activist and head of the Novadoroha Foundation Valeriy Klychko discusses key aspects of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's new peace plan. The conversation covers the plan's 20 points, potential foundations for a future peace process, and the proposal for joint Ukrainian-US control over a nuclear power plant with a specific energy distribution arrangement.
Klychko highlights the current lack of an official Russian response to the initiative and Kremlin's uncertainty. According to him, Ukraine is inclined toward compromise and is ready to engage in negotiations for peace.
The interview also addresses Russia's economic situation. While Russian authorities claim stability, Western analysts predict difficulties for the Russian economy in 2026. Klychko notes that Russia's oil sector faces serious challenges, including lowered prices and declining revenues, with social surveys reflecting growing public anxiety about inflation and the economy.
The expert pays special attention to China's role. Despite official claims of neutrality, China is interested in prolonging the conflict to increase its leverage over Russia. China supplies Russia's defense sector with components and is expanding its military and nuclear capabilities, aiming for global leadership.
Klychko also analyzes the role of the United States, noting Donald Trump's interests in postwar Ukraine reconstruction and in projects involving rare earth minerals.
Overall, Klychko emphasizes that this stage of the talks is crucial for Ukraine, Russia, and their relationships with the USA and China. The progression of the peace process and the wider geopolitical landscape will depend on the decisions taken by all parties moving forward.
